O'Leary: Latavius Murray will not play for UCF at No. 18 Ohio State

UCF coach George O'Leary said senior starting running back Latavius Murray did not practice Tuesday, and he does not expect Murray to play against No. 18 Ohio State Saturday.

When he was asked whether he expected Murray to play during his weekly press conference Tuesday, O'Leary responded, "No, I don't. I think he's week to week. He didn't practice today. In fact he was just in helmet, didn't even have shoulder pads on. . . . If they don't practice Tuesday or Wednesday, I don't include them in the game plan."

Murray anchors a deep running back rotation for the Knights.

O'Leary said Miami transfer Storm Johnson will start against the Buckeyes, while senior reserve running back Brynn Harvey will take over the backup role.

"You're an ankle away, that's how I look at it," O'Leary said, noting he constantly reminds reserve players they have to be ready to play.

The running back rotation was one of UCF's biggest strengths entering the season.

Johnson is a dynamic athlete with big play potential who was heavily recruited coming out of high school.

Harvey rushed for more than 1,000 yards during the 2009 season and earned first team All-Conference USA honors. He slipped back in the running back rotation after tearing his ACL before the 2010 season.

O'Leary said athletic freshman Cedric Thompson will be third in the rotation. Thompson had 11 carries for 44 yards and one touchdown during the season opener at Akron.

He joked Thompson reminded him of Dancing Harry, alluding to a super fan who danced on the sidelines during New York Knicks games during the 1970s.

"He ran for 210 yards but only gained 40," O'Leary said of Thompson's play against Akron.

ilimon@tribune.com. Check back soon for more updates throughout the day.